Passing Point Atkinson, Lighthouse Park
I just have to mention (because I’m pretty giddy about it right now), if anyone is thinking of heading over to Bowen Island from Vancouver for a little escape from the city, give BC ferries a miss and catch the water taxi from Granville Island instead.
This little boat carries 12 foot passengers (+bikes and luggage) and takes approximately 30 minutes to make the crossing. And the views are wonderful. It has completely changed my travel experience to and from the island from now on.
The beginning of my week of work in the Bowen studio got off to a great start, thanks to a beautiful, swift crossing, on calm waters lit by a low November sun. Having the option to skip the bus trip (and all the random weird and obnoxious things that come with it) from my home to Horseshoe Bay (and the extra wait caused by incompatible bus/ferry schedules) was totally, totally worth the water taxi fare. I arrived at Snug Cove in 1/4 of the time it usually takes me to get there.
It’s advisable to call ahead though, as sailings during the commuter times are often booked solid.
Kirsti Wakelin 
Well, yes. There is that. But as tempting as it is to ride the ferry back for free, I’m also thinking that my time might be worth more than the $7.50/hour and a half it’ll take me to get home that route. Perhaps in capsize-sized waves I’ll consider it….
Cool! Nice to know that the service panned out for you; although I suspect you’ll be saving a bit of money and sponging off BC Ferries by taking them back from Bowen for free 😉